March 9/Sacramento, Cal./Food & Beverage Close-Up -- To help combat reports that more than 90% of girls and 75% of boys ages nine to 13 have inadequate calcium intake and that childhood obesity continues to be on the rise and in observance of National Nutrition Month, the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), the creator of Got Milk?, has partnered with the California Dietetic Association (CDA) to get the word out to families about making informed food choices.

Taking this program a step further, Got Milk? said it will conduct free children's cooking classes at select local YMCAs throughout California to teach them firsthand how to prepare healthier after-school snacks.

"It's important that children understand the foods they're eating," says Lorri Holzberg, M.A., R.D., C.D.E., registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and president of the California Dietetic Association. "Studies show that kids who learn about proper nutrition and food preparation oftentimes influence their own parents to practice better eating habits at home, making for a healthier family unit."

Holzberg says kids could get about one-third of their daily calories from after-school snacks, so parents need to make sure that children receive the nutrients they need to support proper growth. Fruits, vegetables and low fat or nonfat milk are just some examples of key foods that provide children the calcium and nutrients they need. Exclusively available on gotmilk.com, families can find kid-friendly after-school snack ideas that are delicious and take only minutes to make, such as Blueberry & Banana Cream Milkshake and Fruit & Pudding Parfait.

"We hope to leave an impression with young people that eating healthy can be tasty and fun," says Steve James, executive director of the CMPB. "And with the right ingredients such as milk, children will also get the necessary nutrients to build strong bones, muscles, teeth, hair and nails."

From the March 10, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News
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